A new type of consultant is a sound consultant, and this can be anyone who has an interest in the quality of sounds.
Whether you are an engineer, and audiophile, or just someone who enjoys the relaxing comfort of a sound controlled environment, this could be the career for you.
Proper acoustics are important to many areas from homes to offices to warehouses.
By starting a sound consultancy business, you will be helping clients to understand their acoustics needs for each room they have, and will be able to offer them excellent solutions for resolving them.
Learning What You Need To Know
Entertainment, architecture, science, medicine, engineering, public buildings and private homes are all potential client arenas for this business. You can, with education, offer acoustic research, home theatre installation, soundproofing and noise reduction services.
You may work with libraries, schools, or local businesses to reduce the amounts of echo and verbal vibration in the workspace, or to help create more peaceful, quiet rooms and reduce audio body stress.
Education is important for giving you a solid understanding of the physics behind acoustics. There are interconnecting relationships between fabrics, walls, ceilings, and shapes and sound transmission and absorption. Understanding these details will help you create effective acoustic solutions for your clients.
As your client list grows, you should be developing a system for referral business from previously satisfied customers. You can also offer a free consultation and price quote to generate new sales. You may know the engineering and the physics, but be sure to communicate your ideas in plain understandable language to avoid confusing your clients.
Expanding As A Sound Consultant
To expand this business you could sell some home acoustic packages like home theatre installation services. As a sound consultant, you will be up to date on all the recent audio product developments, attend meetings or conventions, and become an expert in your field.
You could also work with homebuilders to help plan for media rooms and sound control and communication in new construction.
Another venue for sales would be an internet website for product sales. You could include speakers, headphones, sound enhancers, switchers, wiring and other audio accessories. Business cards are another must, and you can do what many business consultants do and create a newsletter or make personal appearances in the media.
Dealing With Expenses
Generally speaking, consulting businesses have fewer expenses than other businesses (such as retail). Nonetheless, you will have expenses so prioritize where you spend your money.
You will want to check with your insurance agent to obtain correct general business liability and personal liability insurance to protect yourself and your equipment. You will also need a van or truck and storage space for parts and equipment.
Be sure that you dress appropriately when making sales calls and performing installations, as you are creating a business image that will help you to gain additional sales and clients. You may enjoy the casual look, but keep it neat and clean.
Remember when doing installations to take care to not leave mess behind, and be sure to demonstrate the client’s new audio equipment before you leave. Stress the upgrade aspects and environmental impacts of the improvements you have created.
Sound consultancy is a new niche, but one which is very profitable if you are able to commit the time to learning the skills needed to make a successful sound consultant.
